Jessica has been working in early childhood for 17 years and has spent the past 14 years in a director role. She began her career as a school-age summer camp teacher and grew into roles as a toddler and preschool lead teacher, giving her a strong understanding of each stage of development. She discovered early on how rewarding it is to work with children and families and takes great pride in being part of their growth and experiences. In a leadership role, Jessica enjoys supporting her staff and families while helping to create a positive and meaningful environment for everyone. Jessica enjoys working with children of all ages and values what each stage brings. She especially enjoys spending time in the infant and toddler classrooms, where she can connect with children during their earliest stages of development. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with a good movie, especially anything starring Denzel Washington or a classic romantic comedy. She also enjoys spending time with her husband of 22 years and their family.

Lauren has over 25 years of experience working with children and has been a director at Picket Fence for 11 years. She began her career working with children with autism as a paraprofessional, followed by 8 years as both a head teacher and assistant director, gaining experience with a wide range of age groups from toddlers through kindergarten. She has always had a passion for working with children and finds the greatest joy in watching them grow, develop, and reach new milestones. Seeing the excitement in their eyes when they learn something new continues to inspire her every day. As a director, Lauren values building strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and staff to create a supportive, high-quality learning environment. Lauren enjoys working with children of all ages and appreciates each stage of development. She especially enjoys the pre-K age group, as children begin to gain independence and take pride in their accomplishments. Having been part of the Picket Fence family for nearly 14 years, Lauren is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for every child. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing by the pool in the summer, and online shopping. She is also very close with her two nephews and niece, who mean the world to her.

Nicole brings over 30 years of experience in childcare, including 14 years as a director, to her role at Picket Fence. Her journey began at a young age through babysitting, where she discovered her love for making children laugh and creating joyful, engaging experiences. She finds the greatest reward in watching children learn, grow, and reach new milestones, especially those moments when a child’s face lights up with excitement after discovering something new. As a director, Nicole enjoys supporting her teachers, collaborating on creative ideas, and helping every child succeed, especially those who may need a little extra support. While she appreciates every age group for their unique qualities, she loves the curiosity of two-year-olds, the eagerness of three-year-olds, and the creativity and conversation of four-year-olds. Having been part of the Picket Fence family for nearly 30 years, Nicole values the strong relationships she has built with both families and staff. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending live music events, and getting creative with crafting.